Photographer to open The Nest in Arlington

An empty store front in Upper Arlington is being transformed into an all-purpose event center next month.

Upper Arlington photographer Lauryn Byrdy is leasing the 1,700-square-foot space next door to her studio, located in a strip plaza at 2134 Arlington Ave., and plans to rent it out for yoga classes, art galleries and weddings. The grand opening of The Nest, 2132 Arlington Ave., is scheduled for May 10, Spokeswoman Evelyn Becker said.

“She’s creating this incredibly funky, modern place,” Becker said.

Byrdy already is working with the Columbus College of Art & Design to display student exhibits at the center and with Yoga On High to run classes there, she said. The Nest also will act as an extension of Byrdy’s wedding photography business as she offers it as a banquet hall.

The price to rent the center for a private event ranges from $650 for six hours on a weekday to $850 for six hours on Saturday and Sunday. Byrdy also will offer the top or bottom floors separately for rent at hourly, full- and half-day rates and will offer add-ons, such as a catering service.